Chapter 28: The Omen of Death
The Zoran Military Headquarter was located in the center of the ocean, in which cities around it combined together with routes and connected to it in one big access road. Around the area, mountains and foothills under the water surrounded the massive white building almost as if they were the protector of the salient place. The sand on the ground was soft and white, a natural carpet forged by decomposition of minerals. Zoras swam in and out of the edifice with no time to spare, for they were the messengers that had imperatives to give out.
Normally, the Headquarter would be filled with people that wanted to propose things related to martial laws. However, for some reasons the place seemed to be deserted. Every single room and hallway was empty saved one - the Command Center. Inside the chamber, which was made up of marbles and granites, a large round table was placed in the center. There were only a few decorations visible. Zoras with variety of ranks sat along the meeting counter, as they discussed problems that were heading toward them. There were ten of them in total, and they were called the 'Ten Officials'.
Some couldn't stand the tension, so they stood up and began swimming in circles. Others cursed at their ill fate, and some shook their head in dismay.
Sitting at the head of the table, was the General. Though old in age, he was still in a great shape. Muscles appeared right where they should be. Two short fins were obtruding out of the sides of his thick, bluish neck. His arms contained no fins, but along his back, series of mini pin-like fins were sticking out like a porcupine. His eyes were ample. Just by looking at his eyes, you could see a sense of vast knowledge.
"Everyone, calm down!" he said with a rusty voice. He folded his hands together on top of the slab.
"How can we calm down?" one of the Ten Officials replied hotly. The light shined forth from a lighting fish was reflected on his nervous face. "If the report is factual, then we can't win!"
People started to murmur all at once. The General sighed as he slapped his giant hand onto the stone table angrily. Voices died down.
"Is this how our military guys behave? This is pitiful!" he snarled. "We still have time to prepare, so don't get all fret up about how we are going to lose! Instead, think of ways that can enable us to win!"
One of the Ten stood up as others sat down. A piece of paper was in his hand. He was extremely young to be given such rank. He had proven himself time and time again at just how resourceful he could be when facing military actions, and most importantly, dilemmas. His eyes drifted through the writings on the sheet quickly before he started.
"General. According to our spies, this number is too much for us to handle. If only it was a few hundred, then yes, we would have no problem. But this?"
"Sergeant, if you guys would just settle down and tell me the approximate number of the enemy troops."
Clearing his throat, the Zora answered: "Twenty thousand."
A dead stillness swept across the room. Everyone's eyes were wide with disbelieve.
"How many do we have? Enforcers only?" the General whispered.
"Five thousand. And don't forget, General, that more are still adding to the numbers of the enemy."
One of the Captains raised his hand. "We still have the advantage though. We have our electric attacks that can be fired from far away in the water. Up on land, those attacks can still be used. The enemy only has steel weapons. Most of them are foot soldiers too. We can hold them off from a safe distance."
"That is true, Captain. But how long until our troops are exhausted from using too much of their energies to keep our foes at bay?" the Sergeant shook his head as he closed his eyes. Then he reopened them and looked up. "The enemy will surely crush our forces. Slow, but indubitably. They only need time to destroy us and the time is on their hands right now."
"You said their numbers are still increasing. By your judgment, about how big will the enemy army expand to?"
"I cannot give you an exact number."
"Estimate."
Sighing, he watched the grim expressions that masked everyone's face. "My best guess is about fifty to one hundred thousand troops."
Finally, the scene erupted with chaos like an intense pressure being let loose from a tightly sealed bottle.
"How in the world can we drive them back?" one yelled as he wringed his hands.
"And even if we can retreat back into the water, but they can still dive in to come after us!" another pointed out.
"But that would be foolish. We fight better in the water."
"But with a force that big, we still can't hold them off!"
The ranting went on and on. It seemed as if the world for the Zoras was coming to an end.
* * *
The sky gradually darkened as the day finally dragged to an end. Most students had gone to other places of their interests. The clouds turned orange purple as the sun slowly fell down the horizon. Though spring was near them, but the air became cooler as night walked in.
The Greeting Ceremony for King Zora continued on in the Meeting Dome far away from the other buildings. Yet, even if it was outlying, the wind could still carry the noise all over the place. Mikau and Lulu grinned at each other as they held hands and walked toward their resting quarters.
"This has been one of my happiest days ever," Lulu leaned close to Mikau and whispered.
"Me too. So you need anymore help on that commentary of yours?"
She shook her head. "All I need was someone to help me take the pictures. I've done the interview with the Officials. All I have to do now is clean up my report, and then hand it in."
Mikau laughed. "Okay. I guess I got off easy then."
"What do you mean by that? You don't think that I would actually let you touch my hard-earned information, do you?" Lulu gave him a sly smile. "I don't trust you enough to let you do it by yourself."
"Awww, you hurt my feelings."
Lulu poked him in the ribs with her long, slender finger. Then, just before Mikau said good night to her and leave, she grabbed his arm and pulled him toward her once again. They were outside her room.
"Want to have dinner with me?"
Mikau blinked a few times. Then he patted her head playfully without answering. He had his foolish smile planted on his face. She shammed a scowl.
"Is that yes or no?"
"Yes. Of course yes. Only..." he trailed off.
"Only what?"
Mikau wiggled a finger in front of her. "Don't put any more of those Hotala spices in my food. I can't stand that flavor."
"You think I would actually waste more of my rare spices every time you come over for dinner?" Lulu laughed. She covered her mouth with her hand. "Dream on, stud. That is only once in a lifetime for you."
They both linked their arms together and went inside.
* * *
"Captain, here's the newest report that our men have gathered."
"Good job, Sergeant Uni. Any word of recruitments?"
"Yes. So far, we have recruited about five hundred men for our army. More are coming. Reinforcements from the Termina region are coming as soon as they could."
The room was dimly lit with people rushing to and fro. Everyone was yelling all over the place.
The Captain nodded as he sighed. Looking over the map of the ocean and the lands, there were marks along the lines showing all the vantage points of the continents. Even though the ocean was spreading across the globe, but only the Zoras and other pacifists occupied half of it. The other half was by the Gerudo Tribes.
"This is going to be a tough battle, Sergeant."
"No doubt, sir. But don't worry, we'll think of something. For now, all we can do is discuss about tactics. Going head to head battle will cost us dearly. Strategy is the way to win," Uni agreed with no argument. His face was white even though he tried not to show his fear.
"How long until they launch their assault?"
"From what we've gathered, they still need to wait out the winter to fight in a better environment. But I think in about two months time."
The Captain cursed under his breath. "That's not enough! We need more time!"
"Sir, they don't care about fairness. They want our wealth. They don't care about others, but only our wealth-"
"What wealth do we have? Some sea shells?" the big Zora snapped.
The sergeant fell silent.
"Gather all the men and inform the Upper Ranks. I think it's time we plot down some ideas of defense..."
* * *
It was the next morning that Mikau came out of Lulu's room. As before, he was deadbeat though this time it was worse. He could feel the cramps all over his body. He surveyed the central hall a little before stretching himself to awake. There were far less people than customary because most of the Zoras were at the Meeting Dome, which the King was located. Ruto as well. The thought of her made his skin crawled.
Jogging around the circular walls for a while, Mikau felt much better. He wasn't prepared to stay overnight at Lulu's room, especially on her bed with her. It was strange but at the same time, sensational. Her body was so warm against his. The thought of her lips made him ache to stay with her longer. Slapping himself in the face, he shook the image away from his head. He still had a job to do. But before that...
"Japas! Get up you lazy bum!"
The kid groaned against his soft bedding as he laid face down. His head felt as if it was going to explode.
"Leave me alone..." his voice came out muffled.
Mikau jumped onto his younger brother's back as he placed his arms around Japas' neck in a chokehold. "Get up, or I'll garrote you to death."
"Man, it is only like, what, six in the morning! The class won't start for another hour!" the languid teenager wiggled under the weight.
"Oh stop complaining and get up. Breathe some fresh air! It will do good to your throbbing head."
Japas twisted his head to the side and glanced at Mikau around his shoulder. "The rum is making me sick."
"Told you not to drink that much, you greedy fish. You've been sleeping for two days now. Get UP!" Mikau pinched the Zora's bottom.
Yelping, Japas sprung out of his bed and landed in a heap on the cold floor. Mikau laughed as he leaned backwards. With a yell, he too, slammed onto the ground headfirst. Japas moaned as he slowly dragged himself toward the water pool.
The Zoran Hero tsked. "You looked like a slug." He rubbed the developing lump on top of his skull.
"Please call me the Royal Slug."
"Sure, Prince Slug. Hurry up! I want to get to my Self-Defense teacher. I am one move away from completing my newest attack!"
Japas disappeared into the water by sliding into it. A few bubbles rose up and burst on the surface of the liquid. With a gasp, he emerged into the cool air with a splash.
"Wow! I feel as if I am ten years younger!" he bawled with enriched energy.
"Yes, old man. Look, since you are piteously dawdling by taking your time to groom, I'll meet you in the University, room forty-eight. I'll show you that new trick during lunch time," Mikau said as he headed toward the door. Glancing back, he smiled. "You know, maybe it's time that you should get a girlfriend of your own."
Japas snorted. "Please. I got millions of girls aching for me right now. I can't be restricted to just one."
"It's up to you. But remember: your own life is yours to take; it's no one else's. You have your own paths to choose, which one is correct is up to your judgment and wisdom."
"Mikau, now you are talking like Tijo."
Chuckling, the Zoran Hero gave a wink before he left.
The rock in the distant sat firmly on the squishy land. Brownish, with petty pebbles resting on its surface. A stone of great ages. It looked pretty solid and hard to destroy. Until a blade came whooshing in and sliced it in half near the mid-section. Dusts floated everywhere.
The surrounding area was as bright as day. A cosmic plain with little life sustained. A wonderful place to practice self defense dexterity.
With his coach at the side, Mikau concentrated on his target that was further away. With another jerk of his powerful inner muscle, he let loose another arm blade, curving through the abundant water and carving away another boulder. The limestone was easier to sever than the marble for their differences in compound properties. The pieces slowly fell to the muddy ground, disturbing yet even more amalgam dusts into the lucent salty water.
"Very good, Loencraft. Very good indeed. Looks like you've mastered the art of this attack."
"It's all thanks to your guidance, Professor. I would not have come this far if you were not here."
Dismissed the flattery with a wave of his wrinkled hand, the old Zora laughed in ragged breaths. "You mustn't blind me so, Mikau, for I know that it is through your skills that you are able to achieve such accomplishment."
Mikau nodded respectfully. After a few more seconds, he lifted his arms to let the rotating blades slamming back home. The bones within his arms were special. Having a layer of protective coating on the bones and cartilages, it was not painful when the blades locked themselves in place with a snap. By mastering his energy and the pull of the muscles, Mikau was able to make the blades acting like boomerangs.
Weapons of mass destruction. A powerful assail that no enemy could effectively defend against. The weapons could cut down anything within their path, if not, almost everything.
"Well, Loencraft, that's all I have to teach," the teacher grinned. Then he turned serious. "You know, Mikau, there's a great war coming to us. By the order of the Military Department, I have to recruit young and strong men to the army."
Mikau stiffened. "War? What war?"
"The war against the Gerudo Pirates. They are gathering their forces to unfetter against us. Their goal: to rob of any treasures that we might have."
"I don't think I can join. I... I have a girlfriend to think about. What would happen if I am dead during the battle?"
The professor sighed as he laid a hand on Mikau's shoulder. While they walked toward the large structure in front of them, he continued: "We are short of men right now. If you won't help, who would? Besides, with your skills as a Zoran Hero, you will be a great aid to us." "Can I at least think about it first?"
Nodding gravely, the adult's eyes were ambiguous. A heavy thought was in his mind. Finally, he looked up into Mikau's large black eyes. "Sure you can. But don't take too much time to think, for time, is not on our side."
* * *
As Mikau slowly drifted into the hallway, he contemplated about a lot of things. The news was too sudden for him. He couldn't understand why would the Gerudos want to attack them. It just didn't make sense!
A Zora accidentally bumped into him. Glowering, Mikau was ready to give the clumsy Zora a sermon of his own, but his tongue was tied in a knot when he saw it was Toto.
"Opps! Didn't see you here," the Manager of the Indigo-Gos Band apologized. "Sorry about that."
He was shorter than Mikau, by a head. He was round, with a body shaped like an egg. He had a black hat resting on top of his bold head and a wooden cane held in his right hand for support.
Mikau's mouth twisted a little, trying to bite back the harsh words that were dancing along the edge of his tongue. "It's all right."
"So. You guys ready for the big performance a month from now?"
"I guess, more or less. I hardly meet with my guys lately. Too busy."
Nodding to himself, Toto grinned. "With talents that you people possess, I wouldn't worry about it." Then his voice lowered dramatically. "Are you going to join the army?"
Sighing, the Zoran Hero scratched his head. "I don't know. It is too sudden for me to decide actually."
"Ah. Yes, but of course. Yet, you know that we don't have the time to hesitate and ponder about the choices before our eyes."
"I know. I'll probably figure something out. Just give me a day or two."
Laughing, the fat Zora walked away while singing to himself. Before Mikau could turn around and head toward his room, he felt a hand grabbing him forcefully on the shoulder.
"Whoa! Evan! I didn't know you are behind me the whole time," Mikau smiled.
The student was not laughing at all. With eyes that looked like they could kill, he said calmly and coldly: "Come with me. I have something that I want to ask you, privately."
"But I-"
"NOW!"
Flinching, Mikau was stunned. But judging by Evan's face, he thought that he had better go along with his friend.
"Okay. Lead the way."
Once outside the dorm and into a damp forest, Evan turned around suddenly and punched Mikau in the face. Grunting, the Zoran Hero fell onto a pile of wet leave. His body was covered in dirt. "What was that all about?"
Evan glared. "What's your relationship with Lulu?" "What? Are you out of your-"
"How could you do THIS to me?" the brownish Zora yelled with anger. His eyes were filled with hatred. His body trembled. "I trusted you as a friend. I showed you respect. And this is how you repay me?"
Crawling onto his knees, Mikau frowned. "I have no idea what you are talking about! What's wrong with you? Are you on drugs or something?"
Pointing at his friend's face, Evan's face twisted with pain and sorrow. "You ungrateful bastard! How dare you steal Lulu away from me!" "Lulu has nothing to do with you! She told me herself that you and her are nothing but good friends!" "Liar! She be devoted to me! We were getting along fine until YOU showed up!" he shrieked. Walking around Mikau in a circle, he began to unleash his rage. "How could you? You even slept with her!"
Mikau shot up from the ground with fury. "You are going too far! Lulu and I love each other. Not you! She never likes you! If you don't believe me, just go-"
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut your filthy mouth!" Evan made his hands into fists. His teeth gritted together. Veins popped out from the side of his neck. "You are just making it up!"
"I am telling you the truth!"
"Truth? What do you know about truth?" "More than you! At least I am not blinded by madness and refuse to listen to reasoning!"
Breathing in a few deep breathes, Evan closed his eyes. Finally, he reopened them. "Watch out, Mikau Loencraft. You better watch your back while you are still alive." And with that, he stomped off, leaving the confused young adult in the woods by himself.
~End Chapter 28~
Author's Note: As the story getting closer and closer to the end, the mood gradually darkens. Though I do not wish to make it like so, but I think with the plot that is in my mind right now, and with the plot in Majora's Mask, I have no choice but to write the future chapters like this.
This chapter is very long, about nine pages. I can't help it. Heh, sorry.
The Zoran Military Headquarter was located in the center of the ocean, in which cities around it combined together with routes and connected to it in one big access road. Around the area, mountains and foothills under the water surrounded the massive white building almost as if they were the protector of the salient place. The sand on the ground was soft and white, a natural carpet forged by decomposition of minerals. Zoras swam in and out of the edifice with no time to spare, for they were the messengers that had imperatives to give out.
Normally, the Headquarter would be filled with people that wanted to propose things related to martial laws. However, for some reasons the place seemed to be deserted. Every single room and hallway was empty saved one - the Command Center. Inside the chamber, which was made up of marbles and granites, a large round table was placed in the center. There were only a few decorations visible. Zoras with variety of ranks sat along the meeting counter, as they discussed problems that were heading toward them. There were ten of them in total, and they were called the 'Ten Officials'.
Some couldn't stand the tension, so they stood up and began swimming in circles. Others cursed at their ill fate, and some shook their head in dismay.
Sitting at the head of the table, was the General. Though old in age, he was still in a great shape. Muscles appeared right where they should be. Two short fins were obtruding out of the sides of his thick, bluish neck. His arms contained no fins, but along his back, series of mini pin-like fins were sticking out like a porcupine. His eyes were ample. Just by looking at his eyes, you could see a sense of vast knowledge.
"Everyone, calm down!" he said with a rusty voice. He folded his hands together on top of the slab.
"How can we calm down?" one of the Ten Officials replied hotly. The light shined forth from a lighting fish was reflected on his nervous face. "If the report is factual, then we can't win!"
People started to murmur all at once. The General sighed as he slapped his giant hand onto the stone table angrily. Voices died down.
"Is this how our military guys behave? This is pitiful!" he snarled. "We still have time to prepare, so don't get all fret up about how we are going to lose! Instead, think of ways that can enable us to win!"
One of the Ten stood up as others sat down. A piece of paper was in his hand. He was extremely young to be given such rank. He had proven himself time and time again at just how resourceful he could be when facing military actions, and most importantly, dilemmas. His eyes drifted through the writings on the sheet quickly before he started.
"General. According to our spies, this number is too much for us to handle. If only it was a few hundred, then yes, we would have no problem. But this?"
"Sergeant, if you guys would just settle down and tell me the approximate number of the enemy troops."
Clearing his throat, the Zora answered: "Twenty thousand."
A dead stillness swept across the room. Everyone's eyes were wide with disbelieve.
"How many do we have? Enforcers only?" the General whispered.
"Five thousand. And don't forget, General, that more are still adding to the numbers of the enemy."
One of the Captains raised his hand. "We still have the advantage though. We have our electric attacks that can be fired from far away in the water. Up on land, those attacks can still be used. The enemy only has steel weapons. Most of them are foot soldiers too. We can hold them off from a safe distance."
"That is true, Captain. But how long until our troops are exhausted from using too much of their energies to keep our foes at bay?" the Sergeant shook his head as he closed his eyes. Then he reopened them and looked up. "The enemy will surely crush our forces. Slow, but indubitably. They only need time to destroy us and the time is on their hands right now."
"You said their numbers are still increasing. By your judgment, about how big will the enemy army expand to?"
"I cannot give you an exact number."
"Estimate."
Sighing, he watched the grim expressions that masked everyone's face. "My best guess is about fifty to one hundred thousand troops."
Finally, the scene erupted with chaos like an intense pressure being let loose from a tightly sealed bottle.
"How in the world can we drive them back?" one yelled as he wringed his hands.
"And even if we can retreat back into the water, but they can still dive in to come after us!" another pointed out.
"But that would be foolish. We fight better in the water."
"But with a force that big, we still can't hold them off!"
The ranting went on and on. It seemed as if the world for the Zoras was coming to an end.
* * *
The sky gradually darkened as the day finally dragged to an end. Most students had gone to other places of their interests. The clouds turned orange purple as the sun slowly fell down the horizon. Though spring was near them, but the air became cooler as night walked in.
The Greeting Ceremony for King Zora continued on in the Meeting Dome far away from the other buildings. Yet, even if it was outlying, the wind could still carry the noise all over the place. Mikau and Lulu grinned at each other as they held hands and walked toward their resting quarters.
"This has been one of my happiest days ever," Lulu leaned close to Mikau and whispered.
"Me too. So you need anymore help on that commentary of yours?"
She shook her head. "All I need was someone to help me take the pictures. I've done the interview with the Officials. All I have to do now is clean up my report, and then hand it in."
Mikau laughed. "Okay. I guess I got off easy then."
"What do you mean by that? You don't think that I would actually let you touch my hard-earned information, do you?" Lulu gave him a sly smile. "I don't trust you enough to let you do it by yourself."
"Awww, you hurt my feelings."
Lulu poked him in the ribs with her long, slender finger. Then, just before Mikau said good night to her and leave, she grabbed his arm and pulled him toward her once again. They were outside her room.
"Want to have dinner with me?"
Mikau blinked a few times. Then he patted her head playfully without answering. He had his foolish smile planted on his face. She shammed a scowl.
"Is that yes or no?"
"Yes. Of course yes. Only..." he trailed off.
"Only what?"
Mikau wiggled a finger in front of her. "Don't put any more of those Hotala spices in my food. I can't stand that flavor."
"You think I would actually waste more of my rare spices every time you come over for dinner?" Lulu laughed. She covered her mouth with her hand. "Dream on, stud. That is only once in a lifetime for you."
They both linked their arms together and went inside.
* * *
"Captain, here's the newest report that our men have gathered."
"Good job, Sergeant Uni. Any word of recruitments?"
"Yes. So far, we have recruited about five hundred men for our army. More are coming. Reinforcements from the Termina region are coming as soon as they could."
The room was dimly lit with people rushing to and fro. Everyone was yelling all over the place.
The Captain nodded as he sighed. Looking over the map of the ocean and the lands, there were marks along the lines showing all the vantage points of the continents. Even though the ocean was spreading across the globe, but only the Zoras and other pacifists occupied half of it. The other half was by the Gerudo Tribes.
"This is going to be a tough battle, Sergeant."
"No doubt, sir. But don't worry, we'll think of something. For now, all we can do is discuss about tactics. Going head to head battle will cost us dearly. Strategy is the way to win," Uni agreed with no argument. His face was white even though he tried not to show his fear.
"How long until they launch their assault?"
"From what we've gathered, they still need to wait out the winter to fight in a better environment. But I think in about two months time."
The Captain cursed under his breath. "That's not enough! We need more time!"
"Sir, they don't care about fairness. They want our wealth. They don't care about others, but only our wealth-"
"What wealth do we have? Some sea shells?" the big Zora snapped.
The sergeant fell silent.
"Gather all the men and inform the Upper Ranks. I think it's time we plot down some ideas of defense..."
* * *
It was the next morning that Mikau came out of Lulu's room. As before, he was deadbeat though this time it was worse. He could feel the cramps all over his body. He surveyed the central hall a little before stretching himself to awake. There were far less people than customary because most of the Zoras were at the Meeting Dome, which the King was located. Ruto as well. The thought of her made his skin crawled.
Jogging around the circular walls for a while, Mikau felt much better. He wasn't prepared to stay overnight at Lulu's room, especially on her bed with her. It was strange but at the same time, sensational. Her body was so warm against his. The thought of her lips made him ache to stay with her longer. Slapping himself in the face, he shook the image away from his head. He still had a job to do. But before that...
"Japas! Get up you lazy bum!"
The kid groaned against his soft bedding as he laid face down. His head felt as if it was going to explode.
"Leave me alone..." his voice came out muffled.
Mikau jumped onto his younger brother's back as he placed his arms around Japas' neck in a chokehold. "Get up, or I'll garrote you to death."
"Man, it is only like, what, six in the morning! The class won't start for another hour!" the languid teenager wiggled under the weight.
"Oh stop complaining and get up. Breathe some fresh air! It will do good to your throbbing head."
Japas twisted his head to the side and glanced at Mikau around his shoulder. "The rum is making me sick."
"Told you not to drink that much, you greedy fish. You've been sleeping for two days now. Get UP!" Mikau pinched the Zora's bottom.
Yelping, Japas sprung out of his bed and landed in a heap on the cold floor. Mikau laughed as he leaned backwards. With a yell, he too, slammed onto the ground headfirst. Japas moaned as he slowly dragged himself toward the water pool.
The Zoran Hero tsked. "You looked like a slug." He rubbed the developing lump on top of his skull.
"Please call me the Royal Slug."
"Sure, Prince Slug. Hurry up! I want to get to my Self-Defense teacher. I am one move away from completing my newest attack!"
Japas disappeared into the water by sliding into it. A few bubbles rose up and burst on the surface of the liquid. With a gasp, he emerged into the cool air with a splash.
"Wow! I feel as if I am ten years younger!" he bawled with enriched energy.
"Yes, old man. Look, since you are piteously dawdling by taking your time to groom, I'll meet you in the University, room forty-eight. I'll show you that new trick during lunch time," Mikau said as he headed toward the door. Glancing back, he smiled. "You know, maybe it's time that you should get a girlfriend of your own."
Japas snorted. "Please. I got millions of girls aching for me right now. I can't be restricted to just one."
"It's up to you. But remember: your own life is yours to take; it's no one else's. You have your own paths to choose, which one is correct is up to your judgment and wisdom."
"Mikau, now you are talking like Tijo."
Chuckling, the Zoran Hero gave a wink before he left.
The rock in the distant sat firmly on the squishy land. Brownish, with petty pebbles resting on its surface. A stone of great ages. It looked pretty solid and hard to destroy. Until a blade came whooshing in and sliced it in half near the mid-section. Dusts floated everywhere.
The surrounding area was as bright as day. A cosmic plain with little life sustained. A wonderful place to practice self defense dexterity.
With his coach at the side, Mikau concentrated on his target that was further away. With another jerk of his powerful inner muscle, he let loose another arm blade, curving through the abundant water and carving away another boulder. The limestone was easier to sever than the marble for their differences in compound properties. The pieces slowly fell to the muddy ground, disturbing yet even more amalgam dusts into the lucent salty water.
"Very good, Loencraft. Very good indeed. Looks like you've mastered the art of this attack."
"It's all thanks to your guidance, Professor. I would not have come this far if you were not here."
Dismissed the flattery with a wave of his wrinkled hand, the old Zora laughed in ragged breaths. "You mustn't blind me so, Mikau, for I know that it is through your skills that you are able to achieve such accomplishment."
Mikau nodded respectfully. After a few more seconds, he lifted his arms to let the rotating blades slamming back home. The bones within his arms were special. Having a layer of protective coating on the bones and cartilages, it was not painful when the blades locked themselves in place with a snap. By mastering his energy and the pull of the muscles, Mikau was able to make the blades acting like boomerangs.
Weapons of mass destruction. A powerful assail that no enemy could effectively defend against. The weapons could cut down anything within their path, if not, almost everything.
"Well, Loencraft, that's all I have to teach," the teacher grinned. Then he turned serious. "You know, Mikau, there's a great war coming to us. By the order of the Military Department, I have to recruit young and strong men to the army."
Mikau stiffened. "War? What war?"
"The war against the Gerudo Pirates. They are gathering their forces to unfetter against us. Their goal: to rob of any treasures that we might have."
"I don't think I can join. I... I have a girlfriend to think about. What would happen if I am dead during the battle?"
The professor sighed as he laid a hand on Mikau's shoulder. While they walked toward the large structure in front of them, he continued: "We are short of men right now. If you won't help, who would? Besides, with your skills as a Zoran Hero, you will be a great aid to us." "Can I at least think about it first?"
Nodding gravely, the adult's eyes were ambiguous. A heavy thought was in his mind. Finally, he looked up into Mikau's large black eyes. "Sure you can. But don't take too much time to think, for time, is not on our side."
* * *
As Mikau slowly drifted into the hallway, he contemplated about a lot of things. The news was too sudden for him. He couldn't understand why would the Gerudos want to attack them. It just didn't make sense!
A Zora accidentally bumped into him. Glowering, Mikau was ready to give the clumsy Zora a sermon of his own, but his tongue was tied in a knot when he saw it was Toto.
"Opps! Didn't see you here," the Manager of the Indigo-Gos Band apologized. "Sorry about that."
He was shorter than Mikau, by a head. He was round, with a body shaped like an egg. He had a black hat resting on top of his bold head and a wooden cane held in his right hand for support.
Mikau's mouth twisted a little, trying to bite back the harsh words that were dancing along the edge of his tongue. "It's all right."
"So. You guys ready for the big performance a month from now?"
"I guess, more or less. I hardly meet with my guys lately. Too busy."
Nodding to himself, Toto grinned. "With talents that you people possess, I wouldn't worry about it." Then his voice lowered dramatically. "Are you going to join the army?"
Sighing, the Zoran Hero scratched his head. "I don't know. It is too sudden for me to decide actually."
"Ah. Yes, but of course. Yet, you know that we don't have the time to hesitate and ponder about the choices before our eyes."
"I know. I'll probably figure something out. Just give me a day or two."
Laughing, the fat Zora walked away while singing to himself. Before Mikau could turn around and head toward his room, he felt a hand grabbing him forcefully on the shoulder.
"Whoa! Evan! I didn't know you are behind me the whole time," Mikau smiled.
The student was not laughing at all. With eyes that looked like they could kill, he said calmly and coldly: "Come with me. I have something that I want to ask you, privately."
"But I-"
"NOW!"
Flinching, Mikau was stunned. But judging by Evan's face, he thought that he had better go along with his friend.
"Okay. Lead the way."
Once outside the dorm and into a damp forest, Evan turned around suddenly and punched Mikau in the face. Grunting, the Zoran Hero fell onto a pile of wet leave. His body was covered in dirt. "What was that all about?"
Evan glared. "What's your relationship with Lulu?" "What? Are you out of your-"
"How could you do THIS to me?" the brownish Zora yelled with anger. His eyes were filled with hatred. His body trembled. "I trusted you as a friend. I showed you respect. And this is how you repay me?"
Crawling onto his knees, Mikau frowned. "I have no idea what you are talking about! What's wrong with you? Are you on drugs or something?"
Pointing at his friend's face, Evan's face twisted with pain and sorrow. "You ungrateful bastard! How dare you steal Lulu away from me!" "Lulu has nothing to do with you! She told me herself that you and her are nothing but good friends!" "Liar! She be devoted to me! We were getting along fine until YOU showed up!" he shrieked. Walking around Mikau in a circle, he began to unleash his rage. "How could you? You even slept with her!"
Mikau shot up from the ground with fury. "You are going too far! Lulu and I love each other. Not you! She never likes you! If you don't believe me, just go-"
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut your filthy mouth!" Evan made his hands into fists. His teeth gritted together. Veins popped out from the side of his neck. "You are just making it up!"
"I am telling you the truth!"
"Truth? What do you know about truth?" "More than you! At least I am not blinded by madness and refuse to listen to reasoning!"
Breathing in a few deep breathes, Evan closed his eyes. Finally, he reopened them. "Watch out, Mikau Loencraft. You better watch your back while you are still alive." And with that, he stomped off, leaving the confused young adult in the woods by himself.
~End Chapter 28~
Author's Note: As the story getting closer and closer to the end, the mood gradually darkens. Though I do not wish to make it like so, but I think with the plot that is in my mind right now, and with the plot in Majora's Mask, I have no choice but to write the future chapters like this.
This chapter is very long, about nine pages. I can't help it. Heh, sorry.